The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, welcomed its newest commander, Brig. Gen. Douglas Wickert, during a change of command ceremony at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, June 3, 2026.
AFWERX and SpaceWERX have opened new Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer solicitations following passage of the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, which reauthorizes the programs through fiscal year 2031.AFWERX and SpaceWERX are divisions of
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) announced a major redesign of its organizational structure to integrate and align research and development around key mission areas to speed the delivery of war-winning systems.This transformation marks the most significant organizational change for AFRL in
Beale Air Force Base’s (AFB) Recce-U recently acquired virtual reality (VR) technology to be implemented in the Air Force Enlisted Airmanship Continuum Foundation Courses. These Foundations Courses, introduced in October 2023, became mandatory prerequisites to the Enlisted Professional Military
A team from Barksdale AFB pioneered and prototyped a B-52 avionics pylon loading adapter using existing weapons-loading equipment to win the 2025 Spark Tank competition.
AFGSC/A5N – Commercial Capabilities & Integration & Transition Division, the 49th TES, &industry partners completed a flight test Monday, Nov. 3, to evaluate an adaptive seat cushion for the B-52H, designed to reduce fatigue & improve aircrew performance during long-duration missions.
Luke Air Force Base is accelerating the future of warfare through an expanding suite of small unmanned aircraft system programs developed by the 56th Fighter Wing Spark Cell. The team of innovators is reshaping how Airmen train, think, and operate in different environments.
Offutt Air Force Base is introducing the mobile application JetDash in hopes to innovate and simplify Aerospace Ground Equipment operations on the flightline. Developed by Technergetics and championed by the Offutt Spark Cell, JetDash is transforming how airmen request and track AGE equipment, with
The 90th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight was given the opportunity to exhibit a project after four years of development at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference in Washington D.C., Sept. 23-24, 2025.
A new system called the Integrated Respirator Information System (IRIS) is changing how aircraft maintainers work in confined and hazardous spaces.
Representatives from 17 commercial space companies joined officials from Space Systems Command on Aug. 19, 2025 for a National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Industry Day to assist commercial launch service and space capability providers in planning for NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 on-ramp opportunities.“The
AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, partnered with Joby Aviation to demonstrate autonomous aircraft capabilities with a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan during Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC), July 24-30, 2025. REFORPAC
An explosive ordnance disposal robot depth-perception system, developed by former Air Force Master Sgt. Daniel Trombone and Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matt Ruben, provides robot operators a clearer sense of depth to improve safety, speed and precision in high-stakes EOD missions.
The Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) SpaceWERX, in support of U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command's (SSC) Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) Program Executive Office, has announced the launch of its Hyperspace Challenge 2025 program. The initiative is calling for
First time aircraft flew with a third-party developer’s software package operating on the aircraft.
The 35th Fighter Wing (FW) drove innovation across the Pacific last week by hosting the wing’s first-ever Layer 1: Foundations of Additive Manufacturing and Design course, marking a milestone in how the Air Force equips Airmen to design, build and field solutions at the speed of need.
Airman 1st Class Reid Richardson, a contracting specialist, assigned to the 509th Contracting Squadron, has been assigned to join Project Arc, a selective Air Force program focused on solving operational challenges through creative, cross-disciplinary solutions.
AFWERX welcomed its new director and chief commercialization officer for the Department of the Air Force, Col. Nathan Stuckey, during a change of leadership ceremony at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, June 17, 2025.
Phoenix Spark hosted a STEAM event, bringing together student teams from four different Solano County school districts who presented innovative solutions to two real-world challenges the Air Force is facing at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 9, 2025.
The Air Force Reserve Command has officially launched its fiscal year 2025 Reserve Innovation Campaign, an initiative aimed at accelerating innovation and enhancing operational readiness through the power of frontline Airmen.The campaign directly supports AFRC Commander Lt. Gen. John P. Healy’s
A select group of Team Eglin Airmen gathered at the Emerald Spark Incubator March 10-14 to collaborate in the first-ever Combat Innovation Cohort.
AFWERX and SpaceWERX the innovation arms of the Department of the Air Force and U.S. Space Force, respectively, have selected 23 small businesses with Phase II contracts awarded within the last two years to apply for funding through a Program Year 2025.1 Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) annual
The 49th Maintenance Group is advancing its mission readiness through a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research contract collaboration with Evitado Technologies and its anti-collision solution, and TowFLEXX Miltech, a leading manufacturer of electric, remote-controlled towing vehicles without
Space Systems Command (SSC) hosted the inaugural “SSC Subcontracting Forum” Feb. 6 to connect large military contractors with potential small business partners. The first-of-its-kind forum dovetails with SSC’s ongoing drive for innovative and efficient acquisition of space-based capabilities that
DAF leaders announced the finalists of the 2025 Spark Tank competition made up of premier innovation ideas by Airmen and Guardians seeking sponsorship to bring their concepts to life.
The 412th Test Wing Data and Digital Transformation Spark Tank Competition recently transformed Club Muroc into a hub of creativity and innovation, showcasing the groundbreaking ideas of Airmen designed to enhance operational capabilities.
This month, the Defense Department's Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office provided more than $5 million in funding to further develop GigEagle's AI-powered Joint talent marketplace for digital talent."Partnering at the enterprise level is a major step toward harnessing and scaling
AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force, completed its 15th Refinery cohort Dec. 4. The six-week course, held in Warner Robins, Georgia, focused on bridging the gap between Air Force requirements and Airmen innovation.
The Innovation Lab at Arnold Air Force Base is once again open for business.The lab, being reintroduced following a recent renovation, gives Arnold team members a venue outside of the office to brainstorm concepts, work to improve processes, test ideas, collaborate and innovate.Located in Building
Fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and effective communication is a strategically aligned priority within the 927th Air Refueling Wing alongside training and sustaining combat ready warfighters and caring for Airmen and their families.
VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. --The Crucible Innovation Lab was unveiled as a brand new creative center Nov. 22, 2024. This new makerspace is designed to be a collaborative environment where Vandenberg members can come together to brainstorm, innovate, and bring ideas to life. The Crucible
This innovation, known as the single-point nozzle adapter, or SN, removes two-thirds of the time and steps required to take a fuel sample from multiple fuel sources, such as trucks and mobile stations.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AFRL) – The Innovate to Accelerate, or I2A, Expo Day, held in the heart of Los Angeles' tech community, brought together more than 260 people from the space industry, defense and investment sectors at THE BR-DGE in El Segundo, California, Oct. 17, 2024. The event, hosted by
Exploring the dynamic world of technology and collaboration, Travis Air Force Base’s Phoenix Spark lab provides a platform for Airmen to support Air Force missions through innovation and creativity.
Buckley Space Force Base is home to one of the Defense Department's only two chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicles.
The marketplace is a virtual platform designed to empower Airmen to actively develop and support innovative ideas to address operational challenges and improve processes throughout the Air Force.
Goal of the mission was to provide space for developer to test autonomy architecture, specifically detection and avoidance capabilities.
Developmental Special Experiences provide Air and Space Professionals more than just education and training opportunities, they help the service build the Airmen needed for the future high-end fight.
Senior Airman Devon Word introduced an innovative solution that could save the 48th Fighter Wing and U.S. Air Force over 750 man-hours annually.
McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base continues to pave the way for new innovations across the Air National Guard. The 134th Air Refueling Wing is the first ANG unit to test a robotic mower, with the goal to compensate for high temperatures and rugged terrain that make lawn maintenance challenging.
The U.S. Air Force has introduced a new tool designed to streamline the process of assessing and certifying airfields for aircraft landings, particularly in austere environments. Developed by members of the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing Innovation Team, the new mobile application enhances
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center is leveraging the AFWERX Expedient Basing Challenge to capitalize on industry expertise to rapidly address urgent Air Force needs.AFIMSC partnered with AFWERX to award contracts through the Expedient
Members from across AFWERX met in person for a process improvement off-site event to focus on making critical changes to the Open Topic program here June 25-26, 2024. The two-day exercise incorporated AFWERX cross-divisional teams to address the solicitation schedule, automation needs and additional
AFWERX Autonomy Prime partners Joby and Reliable Robotics demonstrated how autonomous aviation can contribute to the Agile Combat Employment concept by flying daily autonomous logistics missions during the Air Force exercise AGILE FLAG 24-3 at Mojave Air and Space Port, California, Aug. 5-9,
SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a unique division within AFWERX, announced the Program Year 2024.2 Strategic Funding Increase, or STRATFI, contract award selections from its Phase II-eligible applicants at the Fed Supernova conference in Austin, Texas, Aug. 22, 2024. DVIDS
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Department of the Air Force and powered by the Air Force Research Laboratory, is advancing cross-training for technical experts through its Traditional Fellowship program and is accepting applications for the next
SpaceWERX announced the launch of its latest I2A cohort, focused on two specific topics: advancing Alternative Positioning, Navigation and Timing, or AltPNT solutions and pioneering the Digital Spaceport of the Future. These initiatives underscore SpaceWERX's commitment to accelerating technological
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/477431/afwerx-mtsi-evaluate-electric-vertical-takeoff-and-landing-aircraft-military-applicationsSince mid-June, experts from AFWERX, the Department of the Air Force’s innovation arm within the Air Force Research Laboratory, have been working with Beavercreek, Ohio-based
Air Force Research Laboratory technical directorates AFWERX and Munitions teamed up to host a Collider event aimed at exploring commercial solutions for software-enabled weapons at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, July 17-18, 2024.Colliders give Air Force leaders the opportunity to share the
AFWERX Integration Prime facilitated collaboration and spurred innovation at the U.S. European Command BRAVO 101 Hackathon in Stuttgart, Germany, June 3–10, 2024. BRAVO Hackathons, sponsored by senior Department of Defense leaders, foster innovative environments where government and industry
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX AFVentures, the commercial investment arm of the Department of the Air Force, has issued a Notice of Opportunity within the Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) program for air and space projects.The newly issued notice marks the availability of
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX, the Department of the Air Force’s innovation arm and a directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory, will have a booth at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 July 22-28 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. During AirVenture, the
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) — The United States is in a global competition for leadership in critical technologies. American capital markets – valued at more than $50 trillion according to Goldman Sachs – represent a strategic advantage in our ability to identify, develop and field
In defense innovation, rigorous scrutiny is not just an afterthought; it’s the law. AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, employs a thorough due diligence process at the core of its investment strategy for
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - SpaceWERX completed the capstone event for its inaugural Innovate to Accelerate (I2A) program at the SpaceWERX hub at the BR-DGE, in El Segundo, California, April 25, 2024. I2A was a free 12-week intensive education program for SpaceWERX Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) Small
SPOKANE, Wash. — The AFWERX Spark team launched the first Crossflow event of the year, April 23-25, 2024. Crossflows offer the Department of the Air Force Innovation and Process Improvement ecosystem a chance to concentrate on development, collaboration and strategic alignment toward operational
Test pilots flew the twin-seat Electro with an instructor for approximately 45 minutes each consisting of pattern work, area maneuvering, and stalls.
The 435th Air Ground Operations Wing hosted the first Project Arc team October 2023 - April 2024 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The team integrated with 435th AGOW units, and conducted a broad range of technological support and advancements to improve mission accomplishment and solve problems
SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a unique division within AFWERX, has partnered with the Aerospace Corporation to establish a cutting-edge “Technology Readiness Level”, or TRL, bootcamp lab in El Segundo, California. This collaborative effort aims to guide promising
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX will spotlight efforts to safely integrate Advanced Air Mobility into the national airspace system during the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International XPONENTIAL 2024 convention April 22-25, 2024, at the San Diego Convention Center
The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, will feature several space-related technologies and programs during the 39th Space Symposium at the Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 8-11, 2024.DVIDS link: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/467118/afrl-showcases-key-programs-2024-space-symposium
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – AFWERX AFVentures, the commercial investment arm of the Department of the Air Force, issued a Notice of Opportunity within the Strategic Funding Increase and Tactical Funding Increase (STRATFI/TACFI) program for its U.S. Space Force division, SpaceWERX. The
Members and teams with AFWERX, the Department of the Air Force’s innovation arm and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, received top performance awards during the AFRL annual awards ceremony at the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Kenney Hall on March 19, 2024.DVIDS
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX, the Department of the Air Force’s innovation arm, met with technologists, startups and venture capitalists at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, March 8-11, 2024, to discuss national and global security challenges and the role AFWERX plays in
AUSTIN, Texas – AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and powered by the Air Force Research Laboratory, and SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a unique division within AFWERX, announced the Program Year 2024 Strategic Funding Increase, or STRATFI, a
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force, will showcase its mission and programs with innovators, entrepreneurs and small businesses at the South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas, March 8-10, 2024. The event will take place
More than 120 industry, academic and government officials gathered Feb. 20-21 at the University of Texas at San Antonio Downtown Campus for the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Artificial Intelligence Industry Forum.
AURORA, Colo. (AFRL) – Booth 703 was the place to be Feb. 12-14, 2024, as a constant stream of Airmen, Guardians and industry leaders stopped by to learn about the latest AFWERX innovations during the Air and Space Forces Association’s Warfare Symposium at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AFRL) – AFWERX Autonomy Prime partner Xwing Inc. made history by flying the first autonomous logistics mission as part of the Air Force exercise AGILE FLAG 24-1 at McClellan Airfield in Sacramento, California, Jan. 26, 2024. The flight was one of several autonomous demonstrations
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, announced the Innovative Capabilities Opening, or ICO, of Autonomy Prime Jan. 30, 2024. The newest innovation program in Prime, a
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AFRL) – AFWERX Autonomy Prime partner Xwing Inc. successfully completed an autonomous logistics mission in its Cessna 208B as dozens of Airmen watched from a ground control station at McClellan Airfield in Sacramento, California, Jan. 26, 2024. Xwing's autonomous flight
AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force will host an exhibit featuring some of the latest developments from each of its divisions – AFVentures, Prime, Spark, and SpaceWERX - at the Air and Space Forces Association’s Warfare Symposium Feb. 12-14, 2024, at the Gaylord Rockies
AFGSC is the first major command selected for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Specific Topic under AFWERX with four approved solicitations and two pending applications.
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) - With the ever-evolving needs of the modern warfighter, AFWERX stands at the forefront of the relentless pursuit of innovation and collaboration. New and inspiring ways to capture those interests must be met through various strategies, and AFWERX's
The AFWERX Agility Prime program, launched by the Air Force in April 2020, is partnering with the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) commercial industry to develop a new class of air mobility systems. The program recently received a demonstration of a mobile battery care station developed
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – As the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force, AFWERX finds creative ways to bring cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to the battlefield. One of those methods is the AFWERX Challenge, a fast and efficient way
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio - 2023 was a historic year for AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and a directorate within Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. AFWERX brings cutting edge American ingenuity from small businesses and
MORAINE, Ohio – AFWERX Spark and other Department of the Air Force innovators gathered Nov. 14-16 in Moraine, Ohio, to create a curriculum for teaching Airmen and Guardians who want to effectively pitch innovative ideas to high-ranking military officers and civilians. The three-day event took place
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, is accepting applications for its upcoming spring Traditional Fellowship Program through Jan. 5. “I would definitely
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX is partnering with NASA to develop a digital operations center for future Advanced Air Mobility, or AAM, efforts through the Civilian Commercialization Readiness Pilot Program, or CCRPP, awardee, ResilienX.With the fast-growing field of AAM
The goal of this first test was to examine battery usage over certain distances with specific power configurations as well as the ground logistics of executing back-to-back flights with an electric aircraft.
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AFRL) – Aerospace engineering students from Ohio State University were invited to Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport, Ohio, to learn about AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force, and Advanced Air Mobility Nov. 7, 2023.According to the Federal Aviation
Over several short test flights, the team demonstrated their autonomous object detection and landing, as well as several other features during their time here.
Busy week Oct. 23 - 27 with engagements, a few firsts, and a new aircraft arrival among the highlights.
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFRL) – AFWERX Airmen and several local media outlets gathered at Duke Field on Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, to witness one of the quietest Air Force aircraft flyovers ever. BETA Technologies, an electric aerospace company and AFWERX Prime division partner, made several
DUKE FIELD, Fla. (AFRL) – AFWERX Prime and the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, announced they have agreed to share flight-test data to accelerate the safe integration of Advanced Aircraft Mobility, or AAM, platforms into the National Airspace System, or NAS, Oct. 25, 2023. The Memorandum
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AFRL) — The AFWERX Agility Prime and Airspace Innovation and Prime Partnerships team participated in the Department of Transportation’s Advanced Air Mobility Interagency Working Group (AAMIWG) at the Syracuse Hancock International Airport, New York, Oct. 11-13. The AAMIWG is a
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFRL) – To be named one of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year, one’s accomplishments must stand out amongst the other 260,000 enlisted personnel. The criteria include superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements. Senior
Joby Aviation, Inc. officially delivered its first experimental electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft to the Air Force during a ceremony held at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Sept. 25. The ceremony showcased the unique multi-party collaboration between private industry, AFWERX, the
DUKE FIELD, Florida (AFRL) – AFWERX and one of its Prime division partners, BETA Technologies, an electric aerospace company, broke ground on the first electric aircraft charging station on a military installation at Duke Field, Florida, Sept. 19, 2023. The expected completion date for the Level 3
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFRL) – AFWERX showcased the innovation from Spark Cells around the world at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, Sept. 11-13. The aisle of four booth spaces at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center was called "Spark Street" where
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX Prime and the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Architecture and Integration Weather office have signed a memorandum of agreement allowing them to collaborate on efforts to reduce the impact of low-altitude weather on Advanced Air Mobility
NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER, Calif. – After a series of capability site visits, AFWERX and NASA have strengthened their partnership to better reach advanced air mobility goals.As a research institution, NASA first partnered with AFWERX in 2020 to gain access to military resources for their projects,
AUSTIN, Texas (AFRL) – More than 20 industry partners attended the first in-person AFWERX Collider event in over three years at Fed Supernova in Austin, Texas. Colliders went virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic but the return of face-to-face interaction gave Air Force leaders the opportunity to
Col. Elliott Leigh, AFWERX director and chief commercialization officer for the Department of the Air Force, kicks off Fed Supernova with 22 minutes of wellness at Capital Factory in Austin, Texas, Aug. 23, 2023. Leigh encourages everyone to take 22 minutes each day to focus on something that brings
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX Spark held five Crossflow events at strategically situated locations throughout the world in 2023, all focused on the development, collaboration and growth of Spark Cells in each region.Spark is an AFWERX division that fosters and encourages
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX has launched IGNITE, a platform where defense users can search for and easily interact with thousands of small businesses that have secured previous Department of the Air Force Small Business Innovation Research or Small Business Technology Transfer awards.
The seventh annual Spark Tank event has launched with a call for innovative Airmen and Guardian idea submissions ahead of the Sept. 4 deadline.
DAYTON, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX, the innovation arm for the Department of the Air Force, met with entrepreneurs, educators and researchers at a recent Academia Days outreach event in Dayton, Ohio, to hear about their dual-use and defense-specific technologies. “Some of America’s most disruptive and
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX representatives will attend the Air, Space, and Cyber Conference, hosted by the Air and Space Forces Association, or AFA, in National Harbor, Maryland, from Sept. 11-13. This year’s conference, held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, is
AFVentures, the commercial investment arm of AFWERX and the Department of the Air Force, or DAF, on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, issued a notice of opportunity for its Strategic Funding Increase and Tactical Funding Increase, or STRATFI/TACFI, programs.
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, is accepting applications for its Traditional fall fellowship program July 17 to Aug. 18.AFWERX fellowships are designed to
LAS VEGAS – In an effort to generate new ideas and cutting-edge orbital defense technologies, SpaceWERX hosted a Tactically Responsive Space, or TacRS, Challenge Definition Workshop at the AFWERX Innovation Hub in Las Vegas, Nevada.These workshops provide military end-users with an opportunity to
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX and Prime will have a booth at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s largest fly-in airshow, from July 24 - 30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. AFWERX’s presence will provide aviation-industry executives and enthusiasts a chance
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – Project Arc, a grassroots initiative started in 2020 to spur innovation within the Department of the Air Force, is accepting applications for its next six-month temporary duty, or TDY, assignment July 17 to Aug. 4. The program is looking for Airmen and
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX and the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate have installed an Uncrewed Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Equipping Eglin’s Duke Field with the Collaborative Low-Altitude UAS Integration
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX leadership announced a new mantra, mission and vision statement to its Airmen and Guardians in a virtual all-call May 18, 2023. “We changed some of the wording to talk about teaming leaders and innovation technology,” said Col. Elliott Leigh,
AUSTIN, Texas - AFWERX is encouraging physical and mental health with the “22 For You Challenge.”Originally founded by Jeremy “Chaz” Michael, AFWERX mission design team lead and Army special operations veteran, the “22 For You Challenge” began as a grassroots campaign in 2020 called the “Ruck for 22
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The U.S. Air Force Academy 2023 Innovation Week, sponsored by AFWERX Spark, trained cadets, along with Department of Defense partners and Airmen innovators in design thinking and pitch coaching competencies. The event also served as an opportunity to network and share
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – Four Air Force pilots remotely flew a Joby electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at the company’s Marina, California, manufacturing facility April 20. They were the first Air Force personnel to assume remote pilot-in-command
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) — AFWERX will highlight emerging aircraft technologies during the Association for Unmanned Vehicles Systems International XPONENTIAL 2023 convention May 8-11, 2023, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.This year’s theme is “Building the Blueprint
The AFWERX Refinery program, an initiative of the AFWERX Spark division, is rapidly advancing Airman and Guardian projects that directly aid warfighters by hosting a four-to-six-week Accelerator program that targets grassroots innovation efforts within the Department of the Air Force, or DAF.
Representatives from all four core divisions of AFWERX – Prime, Spark, AFVentures, and SpaceWERX – will be at the South by Southwest, or SXSW, conference March 10-19, 2023 in Austin, Texas. The Capital Factory, an entrepreneurial firm aimed at connecting innovative technologists and startups to a
Airmen and Guardians may now vote for one of the top six selected ideas in Spark Tank, the Department of the Air Force’s capstone innovation campaign.
The Refinery program, an initiative of AFWERX’s Spark division, is addressing the Chief of Staff of the Air Force’s, or CSAF’s, Action Orders and the Secretary of the Air Force’s, or SECAF’s, Operational Imperatives, or OIs, as it works to rapidly advance the projects of Airmen and Guardians. The
The AFWERX contracting team partnered with two Army organizations to execute the first multiservice Small Business Innovation Research, or SBIR, and Small Business Technology Transfer, or STTR, contracting sprint. The exercise, in which AFWERX partnered with the Army Futures Command, or AFC, and
Small businesses, academics and government officials involved in emerging technologies will gather Jan. 24-26, 2023, at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas for Innovation Industry Days, a networking and educational event sponsored by AFWERX and the Air Force Installation
Col. Elliott Leigh became director of AFWERX, a directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Department of the Air Force’s innovation arm, during a change of leadership ceremony Dec. 15, 2022, at the Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
AFWERX outgoing Director Col. Nathan Diller and Col. Elliott Leigh, the incoming director, discussed the imminent launch of AFWERX 3.0, the next iteration of the innovation organization coming in 2023, during a livestreamed event with 500 virtual attendees at the AFWERX hub in Dayton, Ohio, Dec. 14.
Registration is now open for the 2023 Innovation Industry Days in San Antonio.
Leaders and personnel from Air Force Materiel Command organizations collaborated virtually during the fall Air Force Research Laboratory-Air Force Test Center, or AFRL-AFTC, Summit Nov. 14-18, 2022, to discuss the future of autonomy.
The Refinery program, an initiative of AFWERX’s Spark division, will host its seventh cohort of Airmen and Guardians for a four-week, hybrid Accelerator program in February 2023 to target grassroots efforts within the Department of the Air Force and rapidly advance innovative projects that directly
The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, partnered with CNM Ingenuity, or CNMI, the economic development arm of Central New Mexico Community College, to hold the 2022 Hyperdrive Space Summit in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Nov. 15-17, 2022.
The sixth annual Spark Tank 2023, or ST23, quarterfinals were held Nov. 9, 2022, at the Basic Research Innovation and Collaboration Center in Arlington, Virginia, with the top 15 ideas selected to advance to semifinals.
As an innovative learning organization driven to accelerate change in the Department of the Air Force, AFWERX will release a series of new initiatives in support of its 3.0 evolution. Air and Space Force leaders will detail new opportunities for stakeholder engagement during a live broadcast Dec.
The SpaceWERX Orbital Prime program awarded 124 Phase 1 contracts from June 15 to Sept. 22, 2022, each with a five-month term valued at $250,000.
Modernization and innovation make the Air Force always ready, but modernizing takes time and money, while innovating requires new ideas. Air Force Global Strike Command B-2 Requirements division recently expedited this process, saving millions of dollars and six years of work by using AFWERX to
The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, recognized the 25th anniversary of one AFRL at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Oct. 28, 2022, with a celebration led by AFRL Commander Maj. Gen. Heather Pringle and Chief Master Sgt. James “Bill” Fitch, AFRL command chief. The event honored the
AFWERX AFVentures began the new fiscal year with multiple enhancements to the Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer, or SBIR/STTR, Program after Congress reauthorized the program, Sept. 30, 2022. These improvements aim to further encourage domestic small businesses to
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, or AFLCMC, Mobility and Training Directorate’s Heavy Airlift Division, Mobility Flex Procurement, released a Request for Information, or RFI, Oct. 6, 2022, to understand the maturity of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing vehicles, or eVTOLs, for
The Department of the Air Force’s innovative engine, AFWERX, announced the release of its Autonomy Prime Request for Information, or RFI, Sept. 9, 2022. AFWERX will formally begin industry-facing research as it prepares to launch a new “Prime” program focused on the collaborative development of
AFWERX representatives from all divisions attended the Association for Uncrewed Vehicles Systems International (AUVSI) XPONENTIAL 2022, an advanced air mobility convention in Orlando, Florida, April 25-28 with an estimated 6,500 attendees.
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX AFVentures has issued a notice of opportunity for its Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) and Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) programs. This opportunity, open until June 30, 2022, gives Department of the Air Force (DAF) SBIR/STTR companies
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – The Air Force Research Laboratory will showcase programs and technologies in several areas including weapons and unmanned aerial systems, plus avenues for sharing ideas or capabilities with the lab during the Association for Unmanned Vehicles Systems
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX is now accepting applications for its summer 2022 fellowship program until May 9. Innovation enthusiasts of all ranks from the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force active duty, Reserve, Guard and government civilians may apply for the summer
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – The Air Force Research Laboratory will showcase space-related programs and technologies along with the Hack-a-Sat competition, ways to share ideas or capabilities with AFRL, and SpaceWERX, the U.S. Space Force affiliated arm of AFWERX during the 37th
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – United States Air Force pilots Hank “Hog” Griffiths and Maj. Jonathan Appleby flew BETA Technologies’ electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, ALIA, as the first-ever Airmen to fly an electric aircraft with a military airworthiness March
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – Cast a vote for your favorite entry in the Department of the Air Force Spark Tank 2022 competition. Online polling is open through March 4. Co-produced by the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, Management and Deputy Chief Management
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE (AFRL) – AFWERX hosted a virtual hiring event and “Build the Team” panel featuring Mrs. Sharene Brown, spouse of Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., February 17 from 1:30 - 3 p.m. EST. A recording of the event can be found here. In addition to the panel,
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – The AFWERX Agility Prime program took another step forward in December with the first government remotely piloted flight of an electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.Capt. Terrence McKenna, an Air Force Reserve pilot with the 370th
ARLINGTON, Virginia – A panel of nearly 30 subject matter experts from across the Department of the Air Force met Nov. 16, 2021 at the Basic Research Innovation and Collaboration Center (BRICC) in Arlington, Virginia and via a virtual teleconferencing platform to conduct the Spark Tank 2022 (ST22)
ARLINGTON, Texas (AFRL) – AFWERX Agility Prime, launched in April 2020, is the Air Force’s collaborative initiative to work with the industrial base on testing and experimentation, accelerating development of the commercial electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft industry, enabling
FYSA: Agility Prime explores electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing vehicles and the revolutionary initiative partnering the military with eVTOL industry leaders.
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX Agility Prime Partner, Moog Aircraft Group, has created a prototype electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL), the SureFly S250, which seeks to explore the potential of eVTOL utility in unmanned flight applications. With this
LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFRL) – SpaceWERX officially lifted off Aug. 19 during the virtual Space Force Pitch Day. The event closed with 19 small businesses securing Phase II Small Business Innovation Research contracts to advance their cutting-edge space technologies.The newly launched
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – On August 19, SpaceWERX will officially launch. The kickoff will include a virtual Space Force Pitch Day highlighting the key partnership between the Department of the Air Force and small businesses by awarding up to $34 million to innovative startups
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX Agility Prime partner Kitty Hawk has been awarded an airworthiness approval by the U.S. Air Force. With this award, the Heaviside aircraft is able to enter its next phase of flight testing under Air Force direction.These flight tests aim to
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – Everybody has ideas. Many people have had an idea for a new product or technology only to have it dismissed or neglected. Sometimes we later find that others had the same idea, but were able to get it in front of the right people, resulting in their
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Tech Warrior Enterprise (TWE) – an AFWERX Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program - will host its free virtual Tech Warrior Medical OPS event for all qualified small businesses from July 19-23, 2021. TWE
AUSTIN, Texas – The Air Force Research Laboratory’s AFWERX program co-organized and participated in an event April 9 at Austin’s Capital Factory and UT-Austin, that championed commercial-military innovation and collaboration to the Joint Requirements Oversight Council.As a statutory council to the
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – The U.S. Air Force has awarded the first airworthiness approval for a manned electric aircraft to BETA Technologies, a partner in the AFWERX Agility Prime Program. This enables BETA to begin flying its ALIA aircraft in the Agility Prime program. The
A LIFT Aircraft electronic vertical takeoff and landing aircraft was transported from Springfield, Ohio to Austin, Texas, March 23 – 24, 2021.
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFVentures, the Department of the Air Force’s commercial investment group, has released its fiscal year 2020 annual report.The new report details AFVentures’ successes in fulfilling its mission of expanding and maintaining the Air Force’s innovative
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – Master Sgt. Justin Bauer from the 355th Fighter Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona was awarded the prestigious AFWERX Spark Tank trophy after his innovative method for C-130 wheel repair was selected as the Spark Tank 2021 winner February
At this year’s Virtual Air Warfare Symposium, the Air Force Association held a panel on February 23rd with Department of the Air Force senior leaders titled “No Fuel, No Fight: The Future of Warfighting Energy Requirements.” The purpose of the panel was to discuss the inherent vulnerabilities fuel
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX Accelerate wrapped-up a weeklong virtual event featuring 179 speakers and 7,000+ registrants with discussions on the six new Prime sectors (energy, game, autonomy, supersonic travel, space and microelectronics), a statement on the newest AFWERX
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – (AFRL) AFWERX Agility Prime announced Dec. 10 during the Accelerate event, a series of milestones for the “flying car” program and discussed new initiatives for 2021 including six sectors for potential “Prime” programs.“AFWERX Accelerate was a big week with
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – AFWERX invited Airmen and Space professionals to apply for its new Fellowship program during day three of the livestreamed AFWERX Accelerate event Dec. 9. Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne Bass emphasized the need to “educate Airmen”
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – The Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program announced the release schedule for Fiscal Year 2021 open topics during day two of the AFWERX Accelerate event. In coordination with the
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – Today AFWERX kicked-off its inaugural Accelerate event with an exciting announcement on the formation of SpaceWERX, a new entity that will focus on technologies for the United States Space Force. “As we approach the first anniversary of our newest
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – The inaugural AFWERX Accelerate event, being held virtually, is set for kick-off Dec. 7 at 12 p.m. Eastern. The five-day event will highlight how AFWERX is institutionalizing air and space innovation across the Department of the Air Force. Join AFWERX
AFRL welcomes new commander during change of command ceremony
AFWERX, SpaceWERX open new SBIR/STTR solicitations following reauthorization
AFRL redesigns for strategic advantage, positions research enterprise to accelerate delivery of war-winning systems
At Beale AFB, recently mandated Enlisted Foundations Courses Feature VR Technology
2025 Spark Tank winner announced
B-52 crew comfort seating inbound: 49th TES conducts testing
Building the Future Fight: Luke Spark Cell Expands Drone Programs
JetDash: Revolutionizing aerospace ground equipment operations at Offutt AFB
Streamlining Tactical Communications
Spark Innovations: IRIS
